Grand Plage Biarritz ©

Grand Plage Biarritz © Gillian ThorntonSouth of the Grande Plage, the coast pathskirts the old fishing port, the Port desPêcheurs, with its colourful cottages andquayside restaurants, then winds over theheadland to the offshore statue of the Virgin.Erected in 1865 and reached by a footbridge,the high-level walkway offers sweeping viewsof the coastline.Step through the Art Deco frontage of theaquarium that faces the Virgin to communewith creatures from the deep, not just fromlocal waters but from the Caribbean andPacific too. Then drop down into the VieuxPort and on to the wild expanse of the Côtedes Basques, the beach for serious surfers.The sport arrived in Biarritz from Californiain 1957 with a Hollywood film crew but localresidents – les Biarrots – had discovered thejoys of sea bathing long before the mid-19 thcentury when Victor Hugo became a devotee.They are big rugby fans too and several formerFrench internationals run businesses in thetown. If you cannot get a match ticket, enjoythe full-on atmosphere and good-naturedrivalry in any local bar.For an authentic souvenir, take home sometraditional striped Basque linen made intoshopping bags, cushion covers and tablelinen. Or some Basque produce such as curedLes Halles market, Biarritz © Gillian ThorntonRocher de la Vierge, Biarritz © Gillian Thorntonham from neighbouring Bayonne or jars ofEspelette peppers. Browse the indoor stalls atLes Halles for temptation and inspiration, butbe warned, resistance is futile!destination-biarritz.fr/enFrench immersion coursesLearn French - naturallyand experience the culture of France from the beaches ofNormandy to the heart of ParisHear French,Experience French,Speak French!xpfrance.net74 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 75